CRIME AND SOCIETY
WINTER SEMESTER 2006
Thursday 4- 6:30
 | Crime and Society COURSE DOCUMENTS |
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PROFESSOR
Dr.
E.
Wilma van der Veen, B. Honours Math, Ph.D. Sociology
Phone: 902-420-5883 with voicemail
Email: wwolfvan@yahoo.com
Webpage: http://husky1.stmarys.ca/~evanderveen/wvdv/
Office: MS 300F
Office hours: M/W 2:30 – 3:30, T/TH 2-3 and by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This
course will introduce students to contemporary patterns, issues, problems, and
themes pertinent to the field of criminology in Canada.
COURSE INSTRUCTION
The course objectives will be achieved through a program of readings, class discussions and activities, and written work. THIS IS AN INTERACTIVE COURSE, be prepared to interact and not be passive.
COURSE TEXTS
Schissel, Bernard, & Brooks, Carolyn, eds., (2002), Marginality and Condemnation: An Introduction to Critical Criminology, Fernwood Publishers: Black Point, Nova Scotia
ASSESSMENT
Journals (4 entries – 20 points each) 80 points, approx. 22%
Personal criminology portfolio (10 entries, 6 points each) 60 points, approx. 17%
Discussion questions (8 submissions, 2x3 points each) 48, approx. 13%
Class participation (3 points per class x 12 classes) 36, approx. 10%
Attendance (3 points per class x 12 classes) 36, approx. 10%
Research project (presentation and paper) 100, approx. 28%
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TOTAL points 360 points, final grade pro-rated to 100%
WRITTEN WORK
The written work for this class is composed of various submissions. The following applies to all written submissions:
| Due dates: Due dates for assignments are given for good reason and acceptance of this syllabus indicates your agreement to meet said due dates. In general, late work will not be accepted. In EXTREME cases and only with prior approval from the professor, late work may be deemed to be acceptable with no penalty. As a general rule, late submissions will have a minimum 10% penalty deducted of the assessment for the first day, and then 10% each subsequent day late. A day is considered to be either a week or weekend day. |
| Submission: Do not submit your papers in folders; simply staple the pages together at the upper left-hand corner. Be sure to keep a copy of your paper in case it goes missing. Electronic copies of written work will only be accepted to prove on time submission of work; a hard copy must be submitted to receive a grade on the work by the next class after said due date. If no hard copy is provided by this time you will receive a zero on the work. |
| Questions: If you have any questions about the written work, consult with me well in advance of the due date. |
| Sources: Several academic sources should be used to explore the assignments outside of the assigned books. Academic sources for ALL ideas presented and quotations used, your own and that of others, are to be properly referenced using a recognized bibliographic format. When using internet sources, printouts of the actual webpages cited are to be attached to the submitted work. Internet sources can never amount to more than 50% of cited works. Penalties will result if this referencing is not undertaken, amounting to a minimum of 10% of the grade. If you wish to include personal ideas, you must still seek academic sources for this idea in order to prove its validity, or demonstrate how your idea is derived from other academic sources. Remember: Don’t confuse your own subjective interpretation with sociological ones and don’t make value statements in substitution for critical thinking. |
| Writing style: all written work is to be written using 3rd person and formal academic writing style unless specified otherwise. If you wish to include an anecdotal personal story, it is still to be written in third person. Unless otherwise specified, all written work must be typed and in complete sentence form with correct English (make sure you proofread and spell check). |
| Returned written work: In a class where you have received returned graded written work, you are NOT to consult with me immediately after class with queries pertaining to this assessment. You must take the time to review your work and then if still necessary discuss the matter after one week has passed. |
JOURNALS – 4 submissions of 20 points each – total of 80 points
There will be 4 journal entries. Questions will be provided for each entry. These entries are an opportunity for you to explore your feelings and thoughts about various issues discussed in class and in the textbook, without having to provide academic argument. However, thoughts are to be elucidated in depth. Assessment of entries does not focus on use of English, but rather on the comprehensiveness of your entry, how deeply you go into uncovering and exploring why you have the thoughts and FEELINGS you do. Entries should include your attitudes, behaviours and FEELINGS about the particular topic, not simply a cognitive analysis. There is no right or wrong answer to the question(s), and thus the entries will not be assessed according to this criteria. Depth in exploration to answers is key – keep asking yourself "but why…., but why…? Length of each entry should be AT LEAST 750 words, using 1st person (NOT academic style writing), and informal language. Don’t censor yourself – be open and explore yourself and who you are, and don’t write the journal entry the night before it is due. A journal entry requires reflection and this takes time. Due to the nature of your contents of a journal entry, contents remain confidential.
PERSONAL CRIMINOLOGY PORTFOLIO – 10 entries, 6 points each
This
project will help you explore why it is you are interested in criminology. You
will be collecting various documents, e.g. media articles, organization
brochures, undertaking interviews or observations, etc…, and answering some
questions related to each document you include in this portfolio. Questions
will be provided online. It is expected that at a minimum you will have 10
entries in this portfolio, adding at least one entry per week for the majority
of the weeks of this course.
RESEARCH PROJECT: PAPER AND PRESENTATION – 100 points (70 paper, 30 presentation)
During the first weeks of class, in groups of five or six, you will choose a topic to undertake research, producing a research report and presentation. Specifically your team will be required to undertake the following:
1) Initial Proposal: Select a particular deviant and/or criminal activity and develop a research question(s) that your group would like to explore about the activity – ideas of topics and questions will be provided in class. Your topic should include a Canadian dimension, but does not have to be restricted to this. Provide the rationale (reasons) for your choice of topic and research question(s). Due January 19th.
2) Initial literature review: Provide a list of sources of information you will use to answer your proposed research question(s), with brief description of each source and justifying their usefulness, not more than 50% can be internet sources, the remainder being academic journal articles or textbooks. Due February 2nd.
3) Introduction & background: Provide an exploration of the history of the topic, sociological and other, i.e. economic, cultural and/or political aspects if appropriate, i.e. research how it has been dealt with historically looking at the social context in which you are exploring this topic. Include any pertinent key terms and concepts with associated definitions as they relate to topic and research question(s). Draft due February 16th.
4) Develop and conduct a small survey about people's perceptions about this deviant and/or criminal activity. Survey at least 100 people. A draft of your survey is due via email to me on February 23rd. I will email comments back to your group before the next week’s class.
5) Analysis: Provide an analysis, comparing what the criminological and sociological research tells you about the activity and your associated research questions noting the differences and similarities to today from the history you explored in part 3. Draft due March 16th.
6) Personal reflection: What did you learn about yourself in undertaking this project, and what stood out for you in terms of what you learned about the topic under investigation and why. This part is written individually.
Draft submissions will be returned with comments one week after submission. Final report with reworked drafts is due April 6th
– NO EXTENSIONS. Word length: approximately 3000. One group paper is to be submitted for this project, comprehensively discussing the above points. However, each individual group member will be required to submit individually a detailed commentary on the division of workload and describing what were their responsibilities and what were the other group member responsibilities, e.g. how many meetings were organized, who attended, who was responsible for what material, etc.. The assessment will consist of points for the group presentation, individual presentation and written report. The presentation is to be a maximum of 30 minutes. Creativity in presentation will be required and evaluated. Consider using props, role play, games, music, photos, etc… in order to present your findings, and to include active class participation. There is no need to present all components of the project, only those which you consider to be most pertinent. See me for ideas if unsure. Some class time will be provided for groups to meet.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS – 48 points (8 submissions of 2 questions each, 3 points per question)
In order to provide a further exploration of ideas from the assigned reading and to ensure you are undertaking required readings, at the beginning of class, you are required to submit in a class when there was assigned readings 2 questions which would help to further yours and the class’ exploration and comprehension of the ideas. Make two copies of these questions, one you submit to me at the beginning of class and another you will use during the class.
ATTENDANCE – 36 points (3 points per class)
Attendance is expected and will be taken during each class. Your attendance and participation is very important to your learning and that of other students in this class. It will become apparent if you have not conducted the readings and thus are unable to contribute constructive discussion in the class.
In general, no distinction is made between "excused" and "unexcused" absences. There are times when real life comes into conflict with the demands of pursuing your education, but your attendance in this class is important and you should make it a priority. If you are unable to attend at least 80% of the classes, then it is advisable that you withdraw from the course or else risk the application of penalties in the assessment. One missed class is allowed, with each subsequent class missed amounting to a 3 point deduction in this component of the assessment. The one allotted absence is to be used in the event that dire circumstances keep you from class. Use the absence at your discretion, but DO NOT VIEW THIS ALLOTTED ABSENCE AS A SKIP DAY!!! The absence is provided because it is understood that real life occasionally collides with your school responsibilities and this absence give you the flexibility to responsibly manage conflicting circumstances that may arise during the course of the semester without severe consequences for your point total. If you have MAJOR extenuating circumstances requiring an extended absence from class (e.g. an accident or illness that requires extensive hospitalization, a death in the family, etc.), please see me.
If you are late, YOU are responsible for checking with me after class on the day you were late to correct the record. It is simply not feasible to alter attendance records days or even weeks after the fact. Excessive tardiness may result in a further loss of points from the final grade. If you are late for a general class session, simply slip in as quietly as possible.
PARTICIPATION - 36 points (3 points per class)
Informed
and constructive participation in class discussion is also expected. The
course outline lists readings for each week. You must read and/or prepare all
materials prior to the class period for which they are assigned. It is also
helpful if you approach this class with an open mind and a sense of enthusiasm
for learning. Participation is awarded for your involvement in in-class
activities, exercises, discussions, and so on. Please note that participation
points are awarded based on your active voluntary involvement and genuine
participation, NOT for mere attendance (which is expected as a minimal requirement
and is addressed above).
GRADING SCALE
A+ 96 - 100%
A 90 – 95
A- 85 – 89
B+ 80 – 84
B 75 – 79
B- 70 – 74
C+ 67 – 69
C 64 – 66
C- 60 - 63
D 50 – 59
F 0 – 49
Refer to the SMU Catalogue for a description of what a letter grade represents in terms of GPA.
Remember an "A" denotes exceptional work. All assignments and policies indicated above and below must be completed and/or carried out in a satisfactory manner in order to receive a passing grade in this class. . To calculate your grade in the course as we go along, simply calculate the percentage of points you have earned from the total thus far in the class.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES for Crime and Society CRM 303.1
The
following are a list of expectations you the student can have of me the
professor for this course, and expectations I have of you during the course.
If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, then it
is your responsibility to bring these to my attention during the first few
weeks of classes. Otherwise it is
understood that you agree to abide by these rights and responsibilities.
Your
rights:
·
course syllabus will be followed, and sufficient notice will be given
if any changes will take place
·
clear explanations of written work including assessment
·
respect from myself and from other students
·
office hours are scheduled and appointments can be made
· reasonable assistance individually in understanding the course material if necessary
Your
responsibilities:
·
this is your education so take it seriously and make it a priority
· be organized and do not procrastinate
-
show up to class on time
·
attend all classes
· provide valid reasons for absences and in a timely manner
-
hand in all written work on time
·
do readings of assigned
chapters prior to each week’s class
·
contribute to class discussions and activities
· respect the opinions of others and put yourself in the shoes of others to better understand them
· seek out me if you are having difficulties and doing poorly early on and not towards the end of the semester
·
if having learning challenges or other issues which will affect your
learning, inform me in advance
·
know what is taking place each week with regard to readings and
assignment of written work and due dates
· turn off all cell phones and pagers during class
- seek out explanation of assessment of written work during office hours or scheduled appointments, not directly after class upon return of graded written work
As
your professor, I am responsible for facilitating learning and serving as a
resource for you in this class. It
is my job to challenge you, to consider your work against the standards I set
forth, and to evaluate your efforts based on my years of training and my years
of teaching in the field of Sociology. As
students, you are responsible for being here, for participating in class, for
completing assignments in an appropriate and timely fashion, and for learning.
Staying on top of things, being self-motivated, and putting forth
adequate effort are all a part of the equation for you to earn a good grade in
this course.
That said, I'd like to remind you that it is best if you do not equate your self worth with your grade in this class or on any assignment. You may be an "A+ person" who happened to perform at a C+ level on a given assignment. Remember that grades are an indication of your performance in mastering the material at hand at one point in time. They do not condemn you to a life of doom and drudgery. Nor are they an indicator of my views of you as a person. Reflect on your grade in an honest and realistic fashion before flying off the handle. Remember that I am hired to offer constructive criticism of your speeches, papers, and so on. Digest that criticism and then ask yourself questions like: Did I put in the preparation time that would've been necessary to receive a better grade?, Did I understand the assignment as fully as I could have?, Did I turn in all the required paperwork?, Did I do an adequate job of proofreading, running a spell check? If you find that you still have questions about how you can improve or about course content, come see me and we will talk about additional ways for you to work on your mastery of the subject matter.
A
few thoughts about attitude... It
has been my experience that students who approach their education with a sense
of excitement and a willingness to learn are more productive students.
Holding on to the belief that you HAVE TO take this course prevents you
from embracing the point of view that you GET TO take this course. This course may be outside your major area of interest, but
the content will still relate to your daily activities at home, work, and
school. We will laugh, we will
experience nervousness, we will think critically, we will speak, we will
listen, and we will learn. Most
importantly, we will do these things together.
There is no room for negative
criticism of others and there is no room for laughter at the expense of another in this class.
Enjoy the class and look for the concepts to be applicable in your
daily life and I think you'll be surprised at what you can accomplish this
semester.
PLAGIARISM,
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY, AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Cheating
and plagiarism are unacceptable. Plagiarism
is quoting from, paraphrasing, or using specific ideas contained in any
published work, e.g. books periodicals, public documents, internet, etc…, or
using another person’s ideas without providing an appropriate citation or
recognition which credits the author and/or origin of the work or idea, and
presenting them as if they are your own. Academic
dishonesty can refer to a range of inappropriate and unethical
behaviors including but not limited to cheating on exams, falsification of
sources, and so on. As in other
courses at the University, students in this class are expected to do their own
work and conduct themselves in a fair, honest, and ethical manner.
Those who plagiarize or engage in academic dishonesty of any kind may minimally
expect to fail the assignment at hand and perhaps the entire course.
In addition, instances of academic dishonesty and plagiarism may be
dealt with through proper University channels for investigation and
disciplinary action.
"Disruptive behavior" includes but is not limited to talking when someone else has the floor, being rude to other people, destructive (rather than constructive) criticism of another, arriving late repeatedly, sleeping during class, belligerent or aggressive behavior, and so on. These behaviors have no place in a college classroom. You have a right to maintain your own opinions and to disagree with others, but you must do so in a fashion that is conducive to learning and does not take the form of a personal attack on others. Minimally, you are expected to treat your classmates and your professor in a respectful fashion and they will return the favor. Any behavior that obstructs or disrupts the classroom teaching and learning environment will be addressed. Serious or repeated breaches in appropriate behavior may result in a reduction of your final grade in the course and may be referred to additional University authorities.
NOTE: The professor reserves the right to change the course syllabus.
The students will be given sufficient advanced notice of any changes should they arise.